Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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Australian aerotech and defense company Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd, or EOS, announced today it will build its flagship U.S. manufacturing facility in Huntsville.

Within the first year of operation, EOS expects to hire up to 100 full-time employees, and the facility has been scaled to grow to at least 250 employees if contract awards continue on the current trajectory, company officials said.

The company made the announcement at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. EOS is in the process of outfitting a production facility at 2865 Wall Triana Hwy.

About 200 people today turned out for the release of "Building (it) Together," a report on Birmingham's economic future.

The groups behind a
new public engagement campaign looking to align education and workforce training for Birmingham's growth say action could transform the city at a time when technology and economics threaten to squeeze out any economic gains over the last decade.

The organizers of "Building (it) Together" gathered this morning at the Alabama Workforce Training Center on Sixth Avenue South, ready to hear how cooperation between community groups could make the city into an economic engine.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been ranked the top young university in the United States in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings'
2018 Young University Rankings.

"This prestigious recognition directly reflects the dedication and hard work that our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community supporters have contributed to build tremendous, growing momentum in every pillar of our mission in less than 50 short years," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "I celebrate and share this tremendous honor with everyone in the UAB community, as well as with those who came before us and built the strong foundation from which we continue to effect positive, global change."

UAB is the No. 10 young university worldwide, according to the rankings.

A high-level delegation from Alabama's bioscience industry is attending this week's
BIO International Convention, the world's largest biotechnology conference, to make connections and build relationships that could blossom into new collaborations or investment partnerships.

The Alabama delegation at BIO in Boston includes representatives from 10 different bioscience-focused companies, university officials, and leaders from major research organizations based in the state. The group numbers more than two dozen officials.

The convention, which begins Monday and runs through Thursday, is expected to attract more than 16,000 industry officials from more than 70 countries. The event features one-on-one partnering meetings, networking receptions, and company presentations.

"We are excited to have this talented group joining our Huntsville team, particularly given the firm's recent growth and success in the government and manufacturing sectors," said
Daniel Wilson, managing shareholder of Maynard Cooper's Huntsville office. "Each of these individuals is a natural fit for our firm's team culture and complements the services we provide to our clients."